Mindfulness-Based Therapies for Sexual Dysfunction: a Review of Potential Theory-Based Mechanisms of Change

A number of recent clinical trials have suggested that mindfulness-based therapy may be an efficacious treatment for sexual dysfunction. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms of action for these treatments or whether these mechanisms are unique to mindfulness-based therapies. Such knowle...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMindfulness Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 527 - 543
Main Author Stephenson, Kyle R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New York Springer US 01.06.2017
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects
Anxiety
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Body image
Child and School Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Communication
Couples
Erectile dysfunction
Etiology
Mindfulness
Orgasm
Pediatrics
Physiology
Psychology
Public Health
Review
Self image
Sex crimes
Sexual disorders
Social Sciences
Threats
Women
Mechanisms
Mindfulness
Mediators
Sexual dysfunction
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Summary:A number of recent clinical trials have suggested that mindfulness-based therapy may be an efficacious treatment for sexual dysfunction. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms of action for these treatments or whether these mechanisms are unique to mindfulness-based therapies. Such knowledge would aid in maximizing the impact and dissemination of these interventions. This article provides a review of potential mechanisms utilizing empirically supported theoretical models of sexual dysfunction and mindfulness meditation. These mechanisms include (a) shifting locus/quality of attention during sex, (b) decreasing negative sexual schemas, (c) altering negative expectancies/goals for sex, (d) reducing behavioral/experiential avoidance, (e) lessening engagement with negative sex-related cognitions, and (f) improving the relational context. Current evidence for the importance of each potential mechanism is summarized and recommendations regarding future directions of research are provided.
ISSN:1868-8527
1868-8535
DOI:10.1007/s12671-016-0652-3